All The Things You Are
Composed by Jerome Kern (1939)Form: AABA36 bars4/4intermediate
One of the most harmonically rich standards in the jazz repertoire, famous for its sophisticated journey through multiple key centers. The tune modulates through four different keys (Ab, C, Eb, G, E) before returning home, making it an excellent study piece for understanding key modulation and ii-V-I progressions in various tonalities.
Ready
144 BPM
Notation
A1A (bars 1-8)
A2A (bars 9-16)
BB (bars 17-24)
A3A (bars 25-36)
Section Analysis
Summary
Opens in Ab major with a vi-ii-V-I progression, then immediately modulates to C major via ii-V-I
Harmonic Insight
The opening establishes Ab as home, but bars 5-7 execute a smooth modulation up a major third to C. This is a signature move of the tune - starting on the relative minor (Fm7) creates harmonic ambiguity that makes the eventual modulation feel natural.
Scale Guide
- Fm7: F Dorian (F G Ab Bb C D Eb)
- Bbm7: Bb Dorian (Bb C Db Eb F G Ab)
- Eb7: Eb Mixolydian (Eb F G Ab Bb C Db) or Eb Bebop Dominant
- Abmaj7: Ab Ionian (Ab Bb C Db Eb F G)
- Dbmaj7: Db Lydian (Db Eb F G Ab Bb C)
- Dm7: D Dorian (D E F G A B C)
- G7: G Mixolydian (G A B C D E F) or altered scale
- Cmaj7: C Ionian (C D E F G A B)
Practice Tips
- Practice the vi-ii-V-I in Ab (Fm7-Bbm7-Eb7-Abmaj7) as a unit until smooth
- The modulation from Ab to C happens via Dbmaj7 acting as a pivot - it's IV in Ab but also related to ii in C
- Voice lead smoothly from Dbmaj7 to Dm7 - many common tones and stepwise motion
- Listen to how the melody uses guide tones to make the modulation seamless
- Try playing the progression in both Ab and C major to understand the modulation pattern